Teachers told to correct just three spelling errors to boost confidence

Teachers at a secondary school will put corrections on a maximum of three spelling mistakes for fear of damaging pupils’ self-esteem, an MP has revealed.

Corrections: Learning controversy (Picture: AP)

The school’s marking policy was pointed out by a parent in the constituency who was concerned her children would be left without the writing skills needed to succeed in the job market, Andrew Selous told the Commons.

In a letter to the Conservative MP, the mother wrote: ‘My children are hard-working but they need to be given the basic building blocks of English.’

Mr Selous was speaking as he called for a debate on the issue.

The Conservative MP for South West Bedfordshire, who did not name the school, said: ‘I think this might be a hangover from national guidance in the past and not something that this government would be keen to see continue.’

He later added: ‘The fact is that for many, many jobs you need to have a reasonable standard of spelling. There are probably thousands of schools across the country that have got this policy but actually it’s a false kindness and we are letting our children down.’

Chris McGovern, of the Campaign for Real Education, said the policy was widespread in English and other subjects.

But Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: ‘Teachers don’t leave work uncorrected but corrections can be made through discussion as well as on paper.’

The Department for Education said the correction of spelling mistakes was a matter for schools.